Chapter 1: Reflection and Realization

At the close of each quarter, I take time to pause and reflect. This practice is rare; many individuals go through an entire year without recognizing they’re straying off course. It’s not intentional; it simply occurs over time, often without awareness.

This year, I've gleaned some significant insights. One of the most prominent is that the grass is greener wherever you choose to nurture it.

Returning from my trip to Europe last year, I felt an overwhelming urge to escape my current routine and travel again. This feeling intensified after transitioning back to a 9-to-5 job following the acquisition of my solo venture. I was convinced I was missing out on life experiences during my twenties if I didn’t travel.

However, upon further introspection, I realized my desire stemmed more from vanity and ego than any genuine necessity. After attending my quarterly retreat, I understood that I needed to invest in my current surroundings rather than chase an elusive freedom elsewhere.

In my travels, I encountered numerous individuals who appeared happy on social media but were grappling with personal issues. Many were trying to flee from broken relationships or a lack of purpose in their lives. Meanwhile, I already possessed the connections and opportunities I sought in Melbourne.

Sometimes, it seems like the grass is greener on the other side, but often it's merely enhanced by superficiality.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Community

I’ve realized that having people to discuss business with is invaluable. Since I joined a paid creator community in May 2023, the impact has been profound. This group, primarily composed of creators from Melbourne, has played a crucial role in my growth.

In less than a year, my Medium followers surged from 6,600 to 48,000, with a goal of reaching 50,000 by May 2024, marking a year since I joined. I’m committed to fostering this community with regular check-ins, monthly coworking sessions, and quarterly planning weekends.

Every interaction propels my business forward. Recently, a conversation with a community member clarified my core offerings while I assisted him with his email marketing strategy. In just 1.5 hours, we tackled real business challenges together.

You can't achieve everything alone; find your tribe.

Subsection 1.1.1: Moving Beyond Annual Goals

Chapter 2: The Power of Short-term Focus

It’s possible to transform your life within just 90 days. Three months of focused effort on a specific, measurable goal can yield greater results than many achieve in a year.

Most New Year’s resolutions fade by February, often because people set unattainable goals without measuring progress. Remember, a rewarded habit is repeated, while a punished one is abandoned.

Consider breaking your goals into 90-day sprints. Identify 1-3 priorities in both your personal and professional life, and outline daily actions to support those aims.

Here’s my strategy for the next 90 days: 1. Reach 60,000 Medium Followers

• Write daily for 1-2 hours.
• Aim for 1,000 words each day.
• Publish three articles weekly.

2. Grow to 5,000 Email Subscribers
   • Create two free lead magnets.
   • Publish a newsletter weekly.
   • Promote email sign-ups everywhere.
3. Generate $10,000 (AUD) monthly
   • Develop a core offer (Skool community).
   • Pitch all inbound requests to join my Skool community.
   • Create a model to upsell to existing customers.

These objectives are ambitious yet thrilling. While there are no guarantees, I’m committed to this 90-day sprint before taking a well-deserved break to reflect and strategize for the next phase.